College of Medicine

Department of Biochemistry

Research Overview

We study DNA, RNA and proteins — analyzing their synthesis and structure as well as their actions and interactions. We use physical techniques such as spectroscopy and crystallography, cell biological techniques like confocal microscopy and cell sorting, biochemical techniques such as enzyme purification and characterization, along with molecular biological techniques and genetics. By attacking problems using these complementary approaches, we have developed a collaborative environment.

Our departmental missions include teaching, scholarship and research with more than 80% of our faculty funded for their research programs through the NIH, NSF, AHA, ASH, DOE or NHF. These grants, coupled with our frequent receipt of NIH Shared Instrumentation awards, has allowed us to purchase state-of-the-art research equipment for our faculty and students. Our faculty are also world-recognized leaders- several serving as officers in different national and international scientific organizations and others serving as regular study-section members. We are also heavily involved in educational activities of the College, offering numerous courses for graduate, medical and undergraduate students.